There’s a plant out there for everyone, from the starkest minimalist to the most contemplative urban spartan. Plants breathe energy, color, and beauty into any space. You can never go wrong with decorating a minimalist room with a stunning wonder of nature.
Our curated list makes sure that each plant variety is perfectly in tune with the spirit of minimalism. From the simplest to the most dramatic, growing these beauties will surely add beauty to your space. Best of all? They’re all extremely easy to care for. Let’s begin!
Strelitzia Nicolai
Known as the Bird of Paradise, this plant can be grown in places where light is abundant. It is quite dramatic, with a beautiful symmetry to its oval-shaped, deep green foliage. The leaves are very similar to the banana, which is why this plant is sometimes called the Banana Plant.
When the plant blooms, that’s when you begin to see how colors can be so beautiful yet simple. The flower resembles a bird in flight while others say that it looks like the head of a plumed bird. Either way, this tropical beauty is an attention grabber in the most minimal ways.
Ficus
Another topical plant, Ficus is extremely easy to grow and requires very little care once you provide its basic needs. Like most plants found in the tropics, it requires an abundance of light, warm temperatures, and high levels of humidity. Ficus comes in many varieties, such as Lyrata, Elastica, and even Benjamina.
Ficus plants are large and dramatic, working perfectly as accents or centerpieces for blank walls and spaces. Despite their Instagram-worthy looks, you’ll have to be a bit careful if you have curious children or pets as the sap is mildly toxic.
Sansevieria
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue and the snake plant, Sansevieria varieties are great plants for minimalist interior decor. The sinuous vertical lines of their leaves make them ideal occupants for any space.
They require very little care as they can survive even in dim corners for several weeks. The best part? They improve the air quality in your home by producing high levels of oxygen and absorbing the toxic chemicals in the air.
Monstera
Loved for their dramatic leaves, tropical Monstera plants are becoming the most popular indoor plant for many homeowners. While there are many varieties of Monstera plants, the most well-known is the Monstera deliciosa, or the “Swiss Cheese Plant.”
These plants prefer bright indirect light and high humidity. They are slightly tolerant of drought but will thrive when they are placed in moist, well-draining soil.
Herbs
If you’re into using herbs for your cooking and drinking, then you might consider ones that grow well indoors. Herbs such as mint, rosemary, basil, oregano, chives, thyme, parsley, and lemon balm are some of the easiest to grow in interior spaces like living rooms and kitchens.
Simply provide them with their required levels of light, warmth, and water. Herbs grow quickly, and you can soon harvest them as garnishes for your dishes or drinks. Plus, you get to enjoy their foliage and scent even if you grow them only as decorative plants.
Ceropegia Woodii
Looking for trailing vines that are easy to grow? Look no further than the Ceropegia woodii, also known as String of Hearts, Sweetheart Vine, or Rosary Vine. This is a cascading vine from South Africa and is beloved for its foliage.
The leaves are plump and shaped like tiny hearts that hang along the vines. This makes the plant look like a flowing stream of green heart-shaped leaves.
Ferns
There are so many varieties of ferns to choose from and most of them can grow without any special care. Take your pick from Boston ferns, staghorn ferns, bird’s nest ferns, and even the maidenhair fern. Grow these in areas that receive bright indirect light and high levels of humidity. While they do require watering, they can also go for a few days without water. Ferns make wonderful interior plants in bathrooms and living rooms.
Bamboo
Tall, dramatic, and highly textured, bamboo plants are perfect for homeowners looking to bring peace, serenity, and tranquility into their spaces. Bamboo plants are actually grasses, which explains the similarity of their leaf shapes and high rate of growth.
Bamboo plants grow well in indoor areas with bright light. They grow quickly when they receive the right amount of water and warmth. They can shed their leaves often, so you might need to prepare to pick up after them.
Cactus
Interestingly quirky, cactus plants thrive on neglect. They can live for long periods without water as long as there is adequate sunlight. The only way you can kill them is to water or fertilize them too often and too much. You can choose from the usual spiky varieties or go find ones that do not have any prickly spines. Simply water them twice a month, and they’re good to go.
Succulents
These beautiful plants are so easy to care for that you can only kill them if you pay too much attention to them. Succulents thrive in warm dry environments, so they won’t mind if you neglect them for some time.
Just give them a lot of exposure to bright indirect light and water them only when the soil is dry. Succulents have sensitive roots that easily rot when kept in wet soil for a long time. Plus, some varieties bloom when they are kept in optimal growing conditions.
Orchids
Elegant, serene, and regal, tropical orchids never fail to bring the wonder of nature into any space, including minimalist interiors. Orchids are some of the most popular indoor plants because they can be extremely easy to grow and care for if you choose the correct variety.
You can take your pick, but the most ideal orchids for minimalist interiors are Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, Cymbidium, and Oncidium. Not only will these brighten up your spaces, but they will also provide restrained opulence once they start to bloom.
Plant Container Material Ideas
Once you’ve made your plant selection, let’s go over some container ideas. Most plants will come in the standard black plastic pot, which might not work well in minimalist spaces. With these container ideas, you’ll have more options to choose from.
There are so many types of plant containers out there that it would be a shame to keep your plant in the original container from the nursery. Your minimalist style should carry over to how your plant is housed, here are some popular materials for you to explore.
Concrete Containers
Concrete planters make amazing minimalist containers for plants. The rough texture and industrial look of concrete simply add to the delicate beauty of your plant. Concrete containers are loved for their neutral color palettes, sturdiness, and flexibility in shapes and sizes.
Some homeowners do find that concrete planters can be fragile, especially when the concrete mix is inferior. Plus, concrete planters can expand and contract when exposed to extreme temperatures. Lime in concrete can also leach into the potting soil, which can cause it to become alkaline. There are also faux-concrete planters available. These look like concrete but are made out of different materials like plastic. These can give you that refined concrete look without the negatives that come along with the material.
Plastic Containers
Easily the most common and popular type of material for plant containers, plastic is incredibly cheap, light, and comes in many designs. Just make sure that your selected container is ideal for your plant’s location, whether outdoors or indoors.
While they are easy to find and purchase, plastic containers may contain chemicals that leach into the soil that your plants may also absorb. They can also easily crack when exposed to extreme heat or sunlight for prolonged periods of time, and will show clear signs of wear over time.
Ceramic and Terracotta Containers
Both are made from clay, although each is slightly different from the other. Ceramic pots are usually glazed, which prevents water loss from the soil. On the other hand, terracotta is more porous and allows water to evaporate faster. This makes it great for plants that don’t like to sit in water as it will leach excess water from the soil. Both types of containers tend to be very inexpensive while being durable and organically beautiful. However, they are brittle and are prone to cracking, especially when exposed to heat and cold.
Metal Containers
There are many types of metal planters in the market, and they are known for the strength of their material and raw, industrial appearance. Metal containers work extremely well if you’re looking for texture and color that comes with the age of the material.
Metal containers may tend to be heavy, which may not be suitable if you plan to move your plants often. Metal also conducts heat easily as well, making the temperature of the potting soil hot and potentially harming the plant. Take care that your plants don’t overheat when using this type of container.
Wood Containers
Natural and organic in appearance, wood planters are more popular than ever. The nature of their material requires some treatment in order to be stronger and water-resistant. These may involve using polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, and other sealants to make wood planters avoid wood rot.
Given that they are organic, wood planters won’t last as long as other containers made of synthetic materials. Additionally, wood containers tend to cost more than commercially produced planters, such as plastic.
Fiberglass Containers
These types of containers come in various designs, but the most common ones are so simple that work well in minimalist spaces. Fiberglass containers are known for their lightness, durability, and quality. Plus, the material protects plants from UV exposure while being waterproof.
They cost a bit more than plastic and terracotta but are more affordable than wood and metal containers. You’ll have to watch out for the quality though, as some manufacturers can produce inferior products that easily break.
Tips for Success When Decorating Minimalist Spaces with Plants
Minimalism means going for simple, organic, and uncluttered spaces with a bit of unexpected design juxtaposition every now and then. To help guide your design, here are some tips:
Balance Everything
Look at your space, and let it dictate your style. If you’re looking for a streamlined ambiance, you might want to add linear plants, such as Sansevieria or bamboo. For more organic components, use Monstera or ferns.
Statements and Accents
You can either make your plants the statement piece or the accent piece for a great piece of furniture or sculpture. The only limit is your imagination and creativity, as long as you make sure the plants receive an adequate amount of light, temperature, and water.
Think Outside the Pot
Grow terrariums instead! Succulents and cacti are great terrarium options while giving your interior spaces some low-maintenance greenery. You can make your terrarium as small or as large as you want it to be, as long as you give your plants their basic needs.
Minimalist Plant Decor
Minimal interior design is such a wonderfully clean and pure concept that it can inspire peace and creativity. However, if you want to improve it with some greenery, we hope our list of plants has sparked your imagination and spurred your creativity.
What plants are you going to use as your interior decor? Do you have a plant in mind that wasn’t on the list? We’d love to know your thoughts!
